The Spectator at Reform conference 2026: events programme

The Spectator is delighted to be at Reform party conference in Birmingham this year. Join us in The Spectator pod in the NEC. Our schedule is below:

Friday 4 September

The Great British Staycation: Protecting affordability for families and unlocking growth across the UK – The Spectator in association with Airbnb

12-1pm

From seaside towns to rural villages and major cities, domestic tourism is a vital part of Britain’s economy – supporting jobs, small businesses and local communities. But rising costs and increasing regulation risk making holidays at home less affordable for families, while constraining the entrepreneurs and hosts who help sustain the visitor economy. This panel, sponsored by Airbnb, will examine how policymakers can support the Great British Staycation by keeping domestic travel affordable and helping tourism businesses grow. The discussion will ask how Reform can champion a tourism economy that works for consumers, hosts and local communities – protecting choice and affordability while unlocking growth in every part of the country.

Backing Britain: Building a more secure and affordable energy future – The Spectator in association with Offshore Energies UK

1.30-2.30pm

High energy costs continue to squeeze household budgets, weaken British industry and make it harder for businesses to invest, hire and grow. At the same time, the UK will continue to rely on oil and gas for years to come, yet domestic production is declining faster than demand, making us increasingly dependent on imports. This panel, hosted by Offshore Energies UK, will examine how unlocking further investment in the North Sea could support economic growth, protect domestic capability and deliver secure, reliable and affordable energy for homes and businesses while advancing the UK’s energy transition.

Quite right! Live with special guest Zia Yusuf

3-4pm

Quiet right’s! Michael Gove will be joined by Reform UK’s Zia Yusuf for an hour conversation on day one of conference.

This event will be livestreamed and you can watch it here as a Spectator subscriber.